The concept of fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in restaurants is one most Californians are very familiar with, but in 1985, it was pretty radical. Fortunately for those of us who dine at Robin’s in Cambria, Novo and Luna Red restaurants in San Luis Obispo, owners Robin Covey and Shanny Covey didn’t know any better: it’s just the way they liked to eat. Over time they formed a shared company called the Blue Mango Restaurant Group that operates these three beloved restaurants, keeping the mandate for fresh, local and seasonal ingredients front and center at all times, and inspiring other restaurants to do the same. They’ve managed to do this through the outrageous challenges of restaurant ownership, as well as through divorcing but remaining business partners. So many of us consider these restaurants a forever-part of the local culinary landscape, and we have their creative thinking and acumen to thank.

Websites: novorestaurant.com / lunaredslo.com / robinsrestaurant.com

Instagram: @novorestaurant / @lunaredrestaurant / @robins_restaurant